Last July, I wrote a popular post called "You Need 1: A Tailored Suit." As promised, I will continue to cover overlooked essentials that every modern man should own. Up next, a great pen.

Even in this tech-heavy, gadget-driven world, you will end up needing to write things the old fashion way once in a while. When you are addressing a handwritten note to a client, endorsing a letter or signing off on a purchase, you inevitably need to reach in your pocket and grab your instrument of choice. And quite frankly, unless you are a 13 year old boy, a mechanical pencil or plastic Bank of America pen just won't do.

I'm back! Sorry for the delay, but we have been SLAMMED with work these last few weeks. When you work in marketing and almost 70% of your clients are in retail, the holiday season can get cluttered, quickly.

Anyway, as we look toward the new year, I think it's only fitting that we take a quick review back at the last one. Specifically, the clever ads that have attempted to get Americans to start spending, investing and pouring money back into the slowly rebounding economy.

2009 saw some really brilliant use of children in TV advertising (a safe move, but impressive all the same). It's always a sure bet to use cute kids in ads, but agencies really pulled out the stops this year.

Hey Everyone,

After a small hiatus, I'm back.

I'm going to be starting a few new series on the blog. The first of which is "Style Icon." I'm going to use this as a place to spotlight some of the gentlemen who have exhibited truly iconic style. These men are true idols, not only in wardrobe, but also in lifestyle, career and accomplishments. Up first... the great Nat King Cole.

I wrote a few weeks back about about the "reinvention" of Sean John. The urban label was once one of the most respected and acclaimed young fashion brands in the world, even beating out favorites Marc Jacobs and Calvin Klein for the 2004 CFDA Menswear Designer of the Year award. Soon after, Sean John celebrated the most successful cologne launch in history with "Unforgivable." But then, something happened. Sean John lost its edge, it's direction. It stopped being the exciting underdog label to watch. They didn't even participate in New York Fashion Week for years.

But now, for their 10 year anniversary the house that Diddy built seems to have new life. The 2009 fall line continues to take chances and still deliver creative, sophisticated and smart urban ready-to-wear.  Welcome back.

Cheers,

-JM